Fundraising Tips: Raffle vs. Silent Auction

How to Choose the Right Fundraiser Format for Your Group

Last Updated July 13, 2026

Looking to raise funds for your group? Raffles and silent auctions are two of the most popular fundraising formats for schools, clubs, and community groups, and they both work well, but for different reasons. Choosing the right one depends on your audience, your volunteer capacity, and what you're trying to raise. Here's a clear breakdown of how each works, what each does best, and how to decide which fits your next event.

comparing raffles vs silent auctions

How a Raffle Works

A raffle is a drawing-based fundraiser where participants buy tickets for a chance to win a prize. Simple structure, broad appeal, and low barrier to entry make it one of the most accessible fundraising formats around.

How it works: Reach out to local businesses to request prize donations in exchange for event visibility. Participants purchase tickets, with each ticket representing one chance to win. More tickets purchased means better odds.
Entry method: Participants either drop tickets into a container designated for the specific prize they want, or all tickets go into one pool for a general drawing.
Winning: Winners are drawn randomly at the end of the event. Anyone with a ticket has a shot.
Pricing: Low-cost tickets ($1 to $5 each) make it easy for everyone to participate regardless of budget.
Speed: Fast to run, easy to manage, and winners are announced in minutes.
Excitement factor: The surprise element builds real anticipation. Anyone could win with a single ticket, which keeps energy high throughout the event.
Legal note: Check with your state and local government to see if a Charitable Gaming License or permit is required before you sell tickets.

How a Silent Auction Works

In a silent auction, participants place written bids on items they want to win. It's more competitive, typically generates higher revenue per item, and encourages deeper engagement with auction items over the course of the event.

How it works: Items are displayed with a bidding sheet next to each one. Participants write bids and can return to increase their offer if someone outbids them.
Entry method: Only people who place a bid on a specific item are eligible to win it.
Winning: The highest bidder at auction close takes the item.
Pricing: Bids vary widely based on the item and how much participants want it. Competitive bidding on desirable items often pushes final prices well above retail value.
Duration: Auctions typically run for several hours, giving participants time to browse, bid, and check back in throughout the event.
Excitement factor: The competitive nature keeps participants engaged and invested. Watching others bid on something you want creates a real sense of urgency.
Pro tip: Consider broadening your reach by listing larger items on an online silent auction platform, so people who can't attend in person can still participate and bid.

Raffle vs. Silent Auction: Which Is Right for Your Group?

The best choice depends on several factors specific to your group. Here's how to think through the decision.

1. Your Fundraising Goal

Raffle: Generates income quickly through ticket sales. Great for hitting a moderate goal with minimal planning.
Silent auction: Typically raises more total revenue, especially when desirable items attract competitive bidding. Better choice when maximizing funds is the top priority.

2. Participant Engagement

Raffle: Low-effort participation. Buy a ticket, enjoy the event, find out if you won. Great for mixed crowds and events where not everyone is deeply invested in the fundraising element.
Silent auction: Active participation throughout the event. Attendees browse items, place bids, check in repeatedly, and feel more connected to the fundraising experience.

3. Time and Volunteer Resources

Raffle: Minimal planning required. Sell tickets, draw a winner, done. Ideal for groups with smaller volunteer teams.
Silent auction: Requires more setup: sourcing and displaying items, managing bidding sheets, tracking final bids, and processing purchases. Plan for extra volunteer capacity.

4. Your Audience

Raffle: Accessible to everyone. Low ticket prices mean people of all financial backgrounds can participate, which makes it a strong choice for school events and community gatherings.
Silent auction: Tends to perform better with audiences who enjoy competition and have the means to bid meaningfully. Galas, alumni events, and adult-focused fundraisers are often the best fit.

5. Event Type and Length

Raffle: Works well at shorter events like fairs, picnics, and game nights. Tickets can also be sold in advance to reach people who can't attend in person.
Silent auction: Best at longer events, like galas, dinner fundraisers, or multi-hour festivals, where attendees have time to browse and return to bids throughout the evening.

6. Types of Items

Raffle: Works well for smaller, easily transportable prizes and themed gift baskets. A well-curated basket can generate strong ticket sales even at a low ticket price.
Silent auction: Ideal for high-value items, experiences, and services, like vacation packages, private dinners, spa days, or sports memorabilia, where competitive bidding can push the price up significantly.

Consider Running Both at the Same Event

You don't have to choose just one. Running a raffle and a silent auction together at the same event is a smart strategy: the raffle draws in casual attendees with low-cost ticket purchases, while the auction engages those looking for something more competitive. Together, they reach a broader audience and tend to generate more total revenue than either format alone.

Online and Virtual Raffle Options

If your audience is spread out or you want to extend your fundraising reach beyond the event itself, online raffle platforms let you sell tickets digitally and draw winners virtually. Platforms like Givebacks (previously MemberHub) make it straightforward to run a compliant online raffle with minimal setup. This is especially useful for school and PTA groups with active parent networks on social media.

Sell tickets through a shareable link before and during the event
Post regular updates on your social channels to build momentum and remind people to buy
Stream the live drawing to include online participants in the moment

Upgrade to a Live Auction for High-Value Items

For items that could attract significant bids, consider adding a short live auction segment to your event. A live auction creates energy in the room that a bidding sheet alone can't match, and experienced auctioneers (or a charismatic volunteer) can drive final prices higher by playing to the crowd. Save this format for your two or three most exciting items, then let the silent auction handle the rest.

The bottom line: raffles are lower-effort, more inclusive, and great for building excitement quickly. Silent auctions take more planning but tend to raise more money and create a deeper event experience. Both are excellent tools when matched to the right occasion. Pick the one that fits your group, your event, and your audience, or try combining them for the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which raises more money: a raffle or a silent auction?

A: Silent auctions typically raise more money overall because competitive bidding can push item prices above retail value. Raffles generate reliable income through ticket volume but are harder to scale to high dollar amounts. The most effective approach for many groups is running both at the same event.

Q: How do I get items to donate for a raffle or silent auction?

A: Reach out to local businesses at least four to six weeks before your event. Offer recognition in your event program, on social media, and at the event itself in exchange for donations. Themed gift baskets assembled from smaller donations can be just as compelling as single high-value prizes. Experiences like restaurant gift cards, lessons, or spa services tend to perform especially well.

Q: Do raffles require a license or permit?

A: In many states, yes. Raffle requirements vary widely: some states require a Charitable Gaming License, others require registration with a gaming control board, and some allow nonprofits to run raffles without any permit. Check your state and local government websites before selling any tickets.

Q: How long should a silent auction run?

A: Most silent auctions run for two to four hours during an event. Enough time for attendees to browse all items, return to check bids, and make strategic decisions. Closing all bidding at the same time creates a final rush of activity that often produces the highest bids.

Q: Can I run a raffle or silent auction online?

A: Yes. Platforms like Givebacks (previously MemberHub) make it straightforward to host online raffles and auctions that reach participants who can't attend in person. Online formats can significantly extend your fundraising reach, especially for school and community groups with active digital networks.

About the Author

Diana Schlott

Customer Champion & Content Creator

Diana is a SignUp co-founder and content creator of how-to user guides, YouTube videos, and Idea Center content on fundraising, mentoring, and business management. More about Diana →